Rims
About Rims
Unlike cars, rims are an integral part of the overall aesthetics of a vehicle. Car rims can sometimes go unnoticed as they sit much lower. But that is not the case with a rim. And for that reason, rims are one of the most customised parts of motorcycles and cars.
There are many reasons to get a new wheel rim. Whether it be to replace a broken rim or upgrade the stock rim, there are many options to consider. The tire-rim combination makes or breaks the ride quality and safety of a motorcycle. And for this reason, you have to take the utmost care when selecting a new set of rims. To do that, you need at least the basic knowledge of the wheel rims and all the factors to consider when you buy a new one. This article will give you a basic idea of rims. Having a better understanding of them will help you choose the right one while shopping.
Different types of rims
Like there are different types and sizes of vehicles, there are various designs and models of rims. Because not two kinds of rims are created equal, each has its sets of advantages and disadvantages. And the type and size of the rim can vary between the back and front wheel of the exact vehicle. This is because the back wheel does all the heavy work. Here are the different types of rims that you will come across in the market. You will need to know this before deciding which one to buy.
Spoke motorcycle wheels
These are the suitable old types of wheels that used to be the only type of wheel in every motorcycle out there. This is a set of hubs and rims with steel or aluminium sprockets that connect them both. Just because it is old doesn’t mean that it is outdated. It has many advantages over the newer alloy wheels and billet wheels. The thin spokes provide enough give to the wheel that allows them to absorb impacts. Only the rest of the impact is transferred to the shock absorber and then to the person on the motorcycle. Another benefit is the lightweight construction. Both of these factors make them the default option for motorsport bikes.
Alloy wheels
Single piece wheels or alloy wheels rose in popularity during the 70s. Apart from the fact that they were better looking, better handling due to their rigidity of them made them suitable at higher speeds. Variations of alloy wheels are still the staple in modern racing bikes. Because they do not bend like spoke wheels, they are more predictable and consistent in turns. And for sporting events, this is so important. But you will see them even on street vehicles for aesthetic reasons. Because alloy wheels are made in automated machines, they are usually cheaper than spoke wheels.
Billet wheels
‘Forged wheels’ is just another name for this. The life of a forged wheel begins as a solid piece of metal called a billet. And like all the traditional forging processes, a billet goes through immense heat and pressure. The benefit is that billet wheels are much stronger than cast wheels. But the forging process is slow, and only a few billet wheels are made in a typical wheel factory in a day. The manufacturer can have better control over the shape and details of the billet wheel. And forging allows them to achieve wheels that are stronger even with the use of less metal. They are much more resistant to corrosion.
Carbon fibre wheels
Probably the rarest and the most expensive type of wheels you can get your hands on. Carbon fibre wheels have a slew of benefits to them. They are lightweight and incredibly strong. Lightweight wheels can help reduce the vehicle’s weight and can thus improve its mileage and performance. They are also durable and provide consistent contact with the road surface. But like anything, great things come at a cost. The only thing that might be holding back many people from installing carbon fibre wheels on their vehicles is the insanely high cost.
Tips on how to buy Rims Online
Every vehicle enthusiast dreams of installing a pair of the best wheels for their ride. And there is no doubt that this can be a rewarding experience. But to get the perfect pair of rims, there are some factors you should consider before purchasing. Following these tips will help you make the purchase decision.
- Wheel design – Although there are functional aspects to different wheel designs, you can also choose them for aesthetics. Most people choose them for outward appearance rather than how they work because you will hardly feel any difference on normal road usage.
- The size of the wheel – Buying a wheel of the right size is critical. If the size of the wheel is not correct, the effect can vary from very uncomfortable to extremely dangerous. That is not to say that you can’t use a wheel of slightly larger or smaller diameter if you want, but the size should not be too different from the OEM specifications.
- Price of the wheel – the price of a wheel depends on the material, type of manufacturing and the design and effort that goes into it. You can have a carbon fibre rim on your vehicle if you want and if your budget allows it. Although spoked wheels look simpler, they can cost more than basic alloy wheels.
- How you will be using the vehicle – Different wheels serve different types of terrain and driving styles. For aggressive driving styles on a racing track, alloy wheels are important. But for off-roading, where the terrain will be uneven and bumpy, spoke wheels provide a more comfortable riding experience.
There are small wheels with fifteen inches diameter to those large ones measuring around thirty inches. Similarly, the width of the wheels also varies. To get the correct size of the wheels for your vehicle, you can either measure them or refer to the vehicle user’s manual. But if you plan to fit a custom wheel, get professional help to ensure safety. Finally, don’t forget to check out all the other amazing products in the car supplies category.
Question & Answer
Are spoke wheels better than alloy wheels?
Spoked wheels and alloy wheels are the most common types of wheels in these times. There are pros and cons for both types of wheels and hence different areas of use. Spoke wheels have a degree of flexibility that allows them to absorb impacts from potholes and road bumps. This is great for a smoother ride. But this flexibility is not desirable for performance sports where precision and speed are more important than a smooth ride. Spoke wheels are hand-assembled and are costlier than alloy wheels. But when any of the spokes go bad, you can repair the wheel by replacing or straightening out just that spoke.
Can you straighten a motorcycle wheel?
Yes, you can fix a bent rim of your motorcycle. But if there is only a slight bent on the outer lip of the rim, you need not fix it because those are common and does not affect the ride quality. But if the bend is serious, you will understand if the bike starts vibrating and wobbling as you ride it. Not only is this uncomfortable, but it is dangerous as well. But do not ever try to fix the wheels yourself. Wheel rims require the use of some heavy equipment to straighten them out. Unless you have them at home, always get professional help to fix your bent rims.
How do you measure a rim?
Knowing the size of the rim accurately down to the centimetres is necessary when you buy new tires for the rim. The size of a rim is defined by its diameter and width. Intuitively, the diameter of the rim is the distance between the widest part of the circle that forms the wheel. And the width is the side to side distance of the wheel when the wheel is not in motion. Before you measure the rim with a measuring tape, remove the already existing tires and lay the rim flat on the ground.
Which is better, a cast wheel or billet wheel?
Cast wheels are made by pouring molten aluminium into a mould and cooling it down until it is hard. This is a faster way than forging the wheel. But casting has a significant disadvantage. When the molten metal cools, this will cause a lot of pores form in the structure. This results in a weaker structure. On the other hand, when forging, the metal is never really melted. For that, a solid piece of metal is heated until it is red hot. You can shape this metal into shape by applying pressure, usually with a mechanical hammer. This gives us a much stronger wheel and a better-looking finish.
If you are looking for wheels to buy, then look no further. You are in the right place to buy rims. If you want cheap rims, you can find tonnes of them using the product search engine on Shops.ae. Here you can explore more than 500+ shops and brands offering the best motorcycle wheels, including brands like Honda, Harley Davidson, Yamaha, Mc-wheels, and Suzuki.